Valentine’s Day is a time to show those close to you that you care. For some, that means giving gifts or cards, while others take the opportunity to spread love and compassion in unique ways. One such act came from a young cheerleader who was recently diagnosed with a heart condition.
Jaela Vonderpool, 12, of the Maryland Elites, is a rising star in the world of competitive cheerleading. She had just landed the role as the lead in her team’s upcoming routine when her mother, Cierra, took her to get a physical. “As part of the exam, the pediatrician heard a very faint extra heartbeat, and she told us that we should have her checked out by a cardiologist,” Cierra says.
The family quickly arranged for Jaela to be seen, but the next few days were a blur of doctor visits and tests. In the end, the girl was diagnosed with a rare condition called pulmonary hypertension. The condition results from a narrowing of the blood vessels that carry oxygen to the heart.
With the holidays approaching, many cheer teams are looking for creative and fun ways to both celebrate the season and raise money to help pay for their cheerleading activities, outfits, and cheer camps. Here are some great ideas to consider!